As the latest talent from the Dhawan family, Anjini Dhawan gears up for her film debut with ‘Binny and Family’, she shares her journey, the lessons learned from her family, and her thoughts on the “star kid” label.
The Dhawan family has been a prominent name in Bollywood for decades, from veteran actor Anil Dhawan to celebrated director David Dhawan, and now, Varun Dhawan is a household name. Carrying this legacy forward, the next Dhawan to enter the world of films is Anjini Dhawan, granddaughter of Anil Dhawan. Anjini is set to make her acting debut in the film ‘Binny and Family’, which delves into the dynamics between different generations, particularly the relationship between a grandfather and granddaughter.
In a candid conversation, Anjini Dhawan opened up about her journey into acting, her family’s influence, and what it feels like to step into the limelight as another member of a well-known Bollywood family.
From Childhood Acting Classes to the Big Screen
While some might assume that coming from a film family would make acting an obvious career choice, for Anjini, it was something that began as early as childhood. She fondly recalls how her grandmother, who conducted acting classes at home, played a pivotal role in sparking her passion for acting.
“When I was around seven or eight years old, my grandmother used to conduct acting classes. Every weekend, her students would come home, and I would watch them perform and improvise. My grandmother would often ask me to join in on scenes, playing roles like a sister or some other character, and I loved it,” Anjini reminisces.
What started as childhood fun soon turned into a genuine love for the craft. “When there were no classes, I would ask my grandmother why, as I enjoyed it. Eventually, I began to understand the nuances of acting, and over time, I took professional training to hone my skills. That’s when I knew I wanted to be an actor,” she says.
The Journey to Landing Her Debut Role in ‘Binny and Family’
While Anjini’s family may be rooted in the Bollywood industry, her entry wasn’t a walk in the park. Anjini talks about how she worked hard to secure her first film. “I was an assistant on the set of Coolie No. 1 (Varun Dhawan’s film) and also worked in Mukesh Chhabra’s office, helping with auditions. I even auditioned for a film that I didn’t get, but that audition is what eventually led to me being cast in Binny and Family,” she explains.
The film revolves around the relationship between a grandfather and his granddaughter, shedding light on the generation gap in today’s society. Anjini plays the titular role of Binny, and the film’s theme resonates deeply with her own experiences growing up with her grandparents.
Growing Up with Bollywood in the Family
Being part of such a legendary Bollywood family, one might assume that Anjini had an easy route into the film industry. However, she is quick to dispel that notion. “To be honest, being launched under our family banner was never an option,” she reveals.
“My family has always been very strict when it comes to working hard and earning your place. They believe that whatever you want to achieve, you need to do it yourself. My father wasn’t launched under our family’s banner, neither was Rohit Bhaiya (director Rohit Dhawan), and neither was Varun Bhaiya. So, I never thought that it would be different for me,” she adds.
Anjini’s family has taught her the value of hard work and self-reliance, lessons that have shaped her approach to her acting career. She acknowledges that while she may have access to advice and guidance from her family, the actual work and effort are hers to put in.
Bonding with Grandparents and Learning Life Lessons
The role of Binny in Binny and Family holds a special place in Anjini’s heart, as it allows her to draw from her close bond with her grandparents. Growing up, Anjini spent her weekdays with her parents and weekends at her grandparents’ house, something that built a deep connection between them.
“My relationship with my grandparents is incredibly special. My grandfather and I talk about films all the time, and he loves cooking for me. My grandmother and I, on the other hand, share a lot of personal conversations, and we also discuss spirituality,” Anjini shares with a smile.
This real-life bond made portraying the relationship in Binny and Family a lot more meaningful for her. “The film touches on the gap between generations, something I’ve experienced myself. Working on this project allowed me to explore that dynamic in a new way,” she says.
Working with Industry Stalwarts: Pankaj Kapoor and Rajesh Kumar
For a debutante, working with seasoned actors like Pankaj Kapoor and Rajesh Kumar could be both exciting and daunting, but Anjini took it as a learning experience. “I consider myself very lucky to have worked with Pankaj Ji in my very first film. He’s not just an actor; he’s an institution. I’ve learned so much just by observing him,” she says.
What impressed her most about Pankaj Kapoor was his dedication to the overall scene, not just his performance. “Pankaj Ji never focused solely on his lines or scenes. He always looked at how to make the entire scene better. That’s something I would like to carry forward in my work as well,” Anjini explains.
Her on-screen father, played by Rajesh Kumar, also shares a real-life connection with her family. “Rajesh Sir is a good friend of my father, and they’ve worked together in the past. This made me feel very comfortable on set,” she adds.
Learning the Ropes of PR and Marketing from Varun Dhawan
While acting is her primary focus, Anjini has also picked up tips on handling the public relations (PR) side of the business from her cousin, Varun Dhawan. “Varun Bhaiya is good at PR and marketing, so I often go to him for advice. He tells me to stay confident and honest in my work, and everything else will fall into place,” she says.
When it comes to choosing scripts or understanding the technical side of films, Anjini turns to her father or Rohit Dhawan. “I always seek their guidance, and I even get all my audition tapes approved by Dada (Anil Dhawan),” she reveals.
Dealing with the “Star Kid” Label: Advantages and Disadvantages
Like many actors from film families, Anjini has already been tagged with the “star kid” label. While she acknowledges the perks that come with it, she is also aware of the challenges. “The biggest disadvantage of being labeled a star kid is that no matter how much effort you put into your work, people assume that everything was handed to you on a silver platter. That judgment can be tough to deal with,” she admits.
However, she also recognizes the advantages. “The benefit is that I have access to advice from people with years of experience. I can always call Varun Bhaiya or someone else in the family and get their perspective, which helps,” Anjini adds.
Looking Ahead: An Exciting Journey Begins
With her first film set to release soon, Anjini Dhawan is looking forward to making her mark in Bollywood. Balancing the expectations that come with her family name and her passion for acting, she’s ready to carve out her own identity in the industry.
